Messages of hope

40 Episodes
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By: Messages of hope

Messages of hope shares stories of everyday Australians going through life's challenges. Each week, we reach out to thousands of people in the hope that these messages will heal, give hope and inspire, through the love of Jesus Christ. Whether you're struggling with depression, grief, anxiety, stress, anger, addiction, or a number of other issues, there's a message of hope for you. Messages of hope is a production of Lutheran Media, www.lutheranmedia.org.au

The Doctor
Last Wednesday at 10:58 PM

'A doctor’s job is to cure sometimes, to relieve often and to comfort always.'

Do you like visiting the doctor?For some people the only way you’ll get them to go to the doctor is in the back of an ambulance!

Listen as Richard talks about the impact doctors have on our lives and how Jesus is like the best doctor we could ever have.


As Iron Sharpens Iron
07/03/2025

‘You just feel so helpless. You feel that there is no way out, you feel like I am so totally stuck in this place.’

How many men face mental health challenges due to work or life stressors but feel unable to talk about it? Statistics show it is a lot more than we may even realise.

Jo’s interview with Chris opens up a raw and honest conversation about the mental health challenges many men today face. From working in ministry to wrestling with his own mental health, Chris shares the importance of talking and connec...


Anxiety
06/25/2025

‘The term anxiety covers a lot of fearful conditions. Things like phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorders. A certain amount of nervous energy and fear is actually healthy and quite normal. But when those feelings take over and rule our life, we’ve got a problem’ 

Anxiety can make you feel like every minute is an eternity. You often wonder how you can keep going. And, if you believe in God, you ask the question ‘If God is there, and he's promised peace of heart and mind, then why can't I have it?’.

Listen to Jenny and Steve, who...


Three dollars in the bank
06/18/2025

Financial Distress can happen to anyone. It can be caused by losing your job, prolonged sickness, a mental health issue or a relationship breakdown. When Kerry’s marriage broke down, she went from living in a comfortable house and lifestyle, to being a single mum with two young children and only 3 dollars in the bank. Kerry shares how she got through this difficult period of her life, and discovered the hope she needed to get through tough times.


Depression
06/12/2025

We hear a lot more about mental health these days and that it’s an issue for many people. But how do you know when things like sadness or tiredness or lack of motivation has deepened into something like depression? Hear Rosemary share her story of living with depression and the hope she has found.


Journeys: Navigating the winding path of life
06/04/2025

‘How many times have you heard the phrase ‘life is a journey’? It is true though, isn't it? We can look back atthe past that brought us to where we are today and we wonder what destination lies ahead, but what do we do during those moments where the journey doesn'tseem so fun or perhaps even painful? Where do we find the hope that life’s journey will turn out ok?’

Hear from a group of young people as they reflect on where they’ve come from, what has helped them along the way, and what gives them hope fo...


Speaking from the heart: Relationships of reconciliation
05/29/2025

‘For me, reconciliation is about how do we better ourselves as a community? How do we right that path? How do we become more inclusive? How do we become more compassionate and understanding around things, about what we see in terms of social dysfunction or social disharmony? How do we all support each other so we all have that fair go?’

Shona is an Eastern Arrernte woman who has devoted her personal and professional life to the advancement and rights of aboriginal children, families, and communities. Hear her reflections on reconciliation through understanding our past and being proa...


Families are like fudge
05/22/2025

Family life can be tricky at the best of times, let alone through a crisis. It can be a struggle, especially when you just can’t get along. Things aren’t always so great, and no family is perfect. Rob Schubert shares how great things can happen through imperfect families.


Finding focus: Living with ADHD
05/14/2025

‘I'm always thinking about lots of different things and even reflecting back as a teenager, I worked really, really hard to make sure I did well, which caused a lot of stress and definitely anxiety. So yeah, there's kind of pros and cons to something like ADHD.’

There is a growing number of Australians being diagnosed with ADHD, many of them adults. Today we explore ADHD to gain a better understanding of what it is and how itcan impact a person’s life. Hear Clare’s story of understanding herself, her brain and how it has affected her rela...


The day Mum disappeared
05/08/2025

‘I remember just driving around the neighbourhood, relentless, looking for Mum. This would've been seven or eight hours and by this stage; I was in tears. I'm just thinking, "Where could she be? Please, God, be with her.”’

Where do you find hope when an illness like dementia changes the relationship you have with your parents?Hear Matt’s story as he shares the struggles and challenges of being the child of ageing parents.


Grandparenting: Finding the fun
04/30/2025

‘There is something really special when you are in a crowd and they pick you out. That to me is the most special thing. Like, they might be upset, but they'll come to you because you are Nana’.

 Over the decades, the role of grandparents has changed. Today, more grandparents are taking up the role of helping to raise their grandchildren in a complex and busy world. But there’s also some beautiful blessings in being a grandparent. In this episode, Tania talks with Julie, an educator in parenting, about the joys and challenges of being a grandpa...


Transitions
04/23/2025

With many people now living longer, there is an ever-growing demand for aged care support. How do families negotiate the transition into aged care? Richard talks with Annette who’s worked in aged care for over 30 years and shares encouraging insights for families facing the move into aged care. 


Job done: An Easter reflection
04/16/2025

‘Some people find it hard to understand what is so good about “Good Friday” with this ugly story of an innocent man dying on a cross – but it is this completed work of the Christ and his cross that make this a good day – good for us – that we would know peace with God.’

Bishop Paul Smith shares an Easter reflection on who Jesus really is and how he can offer us redemption and peace.


Hot and thirsty
04/09/2025

Hot and thirsty

Do you have a past you want to forget? Trying to ignore it by covering the pain with something else sometimes seems to be the only way, but the guilt and shame stick around. Noel Due shares some stories that show there is hope and a way to find peace.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Hot-And-Thirsty-PODCAST.mp3


When waters rise
04/02/2025

When waters rise

‘Life doesn't stop for anything even a natural disaster. You can become pretty naive to think that it won't happen to you. And when it did actually happen, the devastation was beyond our comprehension at the time. And we've been dealing with that for the last two years.’

When the levee broke, Alex’s farm was inundated. Hear Alex’s story of faith and resilience as she faced the devastating impact of floods and unimaginable challenges.

Listen to the program

https://lutheranmedia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/When-Waters-Rise-PODCAST.mp3


When waters rise
04/02/2025

When waters rise

‘Life doesn't stop for anything even a natural disaster. You can become pretty naive to think that it won't happen to you. And when it did actually happen, the devastation was beyond our comprehension at the time. And we've been dealing with that for the last two years.’

When the levee broke, Alex’s farm was inundated. Hear Alex’s story of faith and resilience as she faced the devastating impact of floods and unimaginable challenges.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/When-Waters-Rise-PODCAST.mp3


Good Grief
03/26/2025

Good grief

'I’ve had a fair bit to do with grief in my life – enough to know that one size does not fit all. My grief, and how I grieve, is not the same as yours.'
How do you deal with grief? We all experience grief in different ways and for varying lengths of time. It’s not an experience we look forward to because it’s hard. But is there another side to grief that we often miss? Something that can make the grief more bearable? Listen to Tim Klein, a funeral director and a pa...


Finding hope in your grief
03/19/2025

Finding hope in your grief

‘My best friend was diagnosed with cancer. We heard on a Wednesday there's nothing that can be done. He was dead by Friday. That was a bit of a smack in the head!’

Experiencing the grief of losing someone close to you can really shake you up and make you question where God is through all of this. Listen as Steve shares what sustains him amid grief and tough times.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Finding-Hope-in-your-grief-Podcast.mp3


Called to serve
03/12/2025

Do you ever feel inspired to make a difference but feel too small and insignificant?

‘I sometimes find I get a bit overwhelmed when I start looking at how many different ways that we could be helping and serving.

Don't underestimate the power of being friends with someone, being a neighbour to someone, visiting someone who doesn't get out of the house very often. It might be your grandma. The needs could be closer to you than you think.  Making a difference for one person is making a difference.’

Listen as Eloise, a young...


Single but not Lonely
03/05/2025

Single but not lonely

'I call it the society blueprint. You finish school, you get a job, you get a partner, you buy a house, children, retire. So, if you don't fit the blueprint, where do you fit in society?'

Emma is constantly faced with questions around her single life. She's also been given plenty of unwanted advice! Listen as Emma shares how she navigates society's expectations as a single person, and the hope she discovered in embracing being single.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03...


A Ladder and a Torch
02/26/2025

A Ladder & a Torch

'I got introduced to alcohol at 16 and I found this wonderful feeling of release. I could be somebody that I always wanted to be. It became my friend.'

There are many tragic stories about the abuse of alcohol, but how does it start, and how can it change? Listen to Darryl’s story of long-term alcohol addiction and how he found transformation and hope in a higher power.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/A-Ladder-and-A-Torch-Podcast_UPDATED-2025.mp3


Carrying Hope
02/19/2025

Carrying Hope

‘Us Australians are a generous bunch, often willing to support an important cause that might bring hope in a time of need. But when it comes to financial giving, we don't always get to hear the impact that our donations really have.’

Ever wondered what really happens with humanitarian aid overseas? Listen as Sophie Gebreyes, from Lutheran World Federation, shares about Ethiopia’s country program and how generous Australians are making a world of difference in the lives of people in struggling communities.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au...


Dealing with Stress
02/12/2025

Dealing with Stress

Life seems to be going 100 miles an hour. People all around us seem to be suffering from burnout and stress. This isn’t something new. But what is it that causes us to feel like it’s all just getting too much? Listen to Ali and Celia chat about what gets us stressed, how we react to it, what helps us when the crisis hits and managing in the longer term.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dealing-With-Stress-Podcast.mp3


Enduring Love
02/05/2025

Enduring Love

When love is supposed to be forever, how does it survive through illness and death?

‘There'll be swings and roundabouts. You'll be, oh, you're going fine, you know, and then suddenly you won't.’

Listen to the enduring love story of Cheryl and Trevor. Hear Cheryl share the challenge of working through Trevor’s illness and how she found hope through the loss of a life-time love.

Listen to the program

https://www.messagesofhope.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Enduring-Love-PODCAST.mp3


Life Together When Apart
01/29/2025

“It was kind of fun in the early years when he'd be gone for eight weeks at a time and he'd come back and it'd be like a new boyfriend every eight weeks. But it became tiring after a while and we realized that, if you actually expect the fresh and new each time that you're going to get disappointed.” Listen as Luke and Jo share their story of separation and what they’ve learned about their relationship and keeping the family together.

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Comfort for Tragedy
01/24/2025

What do you do when you’re away from home and you receive a phone call that there is a bushfire in your area? Listen to Richard share how bushfires affected his family and the community he grew up in. How do you pick up the pieces after the devastation of a raging bushfire? Or any devastating tragedy?

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A Farmers Life
01/15/2025

Many farmers around Australia are experiencing a tough time because of drought. Even with all the best risk management and forward planning, we still can’t control the weather. You may not be a farmer but we all have things we can’t control. Losing a job, poor health, a death in the family. Listen as Richard chats with Tim, a farmer from the Mallee of South Australia. In times of drought where does he find hope?

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Worth Fighting For
01/12/2025

Have you ever felt unloved and not worth fighting for? Listen as Sophie shares how she moved from feeling unworthy and unloveable to feeling connected and loved.

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New Beginnings
01/01/2025

‘New beginnings for me mean you’re leaving something and moving to something in the future you’re not quite sure about. So that can be a whole mixture of emotions.’
New beginnings can be stressful. Unknown experiences of changing jobs, a medical diagnosis, moving to a new country, or a life-changing experience of another kind can impact family life and our expectations. Listen as Richard, Clare and Tania share their experiences and what helps them cope through change.

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Redefining Rest
12/25/2024

‘I take on more things, I'm so overwhelmed, I will end up sick or have some leave or take some time off. And then I have a little bit of respite and then I do the same thing again.’
Choosing to spend time resting is often the last of our priorities in what, for many of us, is a dizzying, fast paced and busy life. But have you ever considered that maybe the solution to all our stress and constantly feeling overwhelmed is to intentionally put rest first? Click here to listen as Lorrene shares 7 types of rest and...


Not so perfect Christmas
12/18/2024

‘Ah, Christmas! Peace on earth and goodwill to all! They’re not very high expectations, are they? But we try so hard to get it right, to meet our expectations of what Christmas is about. We try to create the perfect Christmas.’ Listen as John shares a message that maybe Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect.

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How God sees Christmas
12/11/2024

Do you look forward to Christmas with anticipation? Or do you wonder if you’ll experience the peace and joy that Christmas promises? Listen as James Winderlich tells the story of one troubled family, and a stranger in the rain. In a surprising way they all experienced the true meaning of Christmas. You can experience God’s Christmas too.

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What to Buy
12/04/2024

The build up to Christmas can be really stressful and tiring. Buying gifts, planning holidays and family get togethers. Trying to get everything done before Christmas can be a nightmare. Listen as Richard shares how he struggles with trying to find the perfect gift for the special people in his life.

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Beyond the Stress
11/27/2024

Beyond the Stress What would a stress-free life look like to you? Everyone wants to have less stress – so why do we seem to fall into the same cycles of over-commitment and feeling overwhelmed? Listen as Celia, Anna and Janine chat about why it's so hard to get beyond the stress. Listen to the […]

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Domestic Violence: Getting the Facts
11/21/2024

Professor Sarah Wendt has dedicated her life to understanding the impacts of domestic violence, and hearing the stories of victims and survivors in Australia. Listen to Sarah share her insights from personal stories about the causes and effects and where we may find hope in such a painful topic.

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Smashing Plates – part 1
11/14/2024

“I thought the anger in me would blow up a building. After I realized that what was done to me was so wrong. This anger just woaah! I used to break things, like get a whole lot of plates and smash them. It was eating me alive.” Listen to the story of one woman’s journey of healing from childhood trauma.

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Nothing Normal: 12 Years of Foster Caring
11/07/2024

Nothing Normal: 12 Years of Foster Caring Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a foster carer? ‘They say it takes a village to raise a child and it's the same in foster care. Every child that's come into our care, I know we've had a positive impact on, they've had good memories […]

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Call Me Dad: Long Term Foster Parenting
10/31/2024

Call Me Dad: Long Term Foster Parenting ‘It's important that it's not about you. You're doing this for the sake of someone else.’ There are around 46,000 children currently in foster care around Australia. Ben and his wife Kelly became foster carers to Madi when she was seven years old. Listen as Ben shares the […]

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Foster Parenting
10/23/2024

With 40,000 children in desperate need of care around Australia, foster care organisations around the country seek to provide hope for young and vulnerable children. Listen to Ann, a foster parent, and Margaret, a foster care placement worker with Lutheran Care in South Australia, as they share the unique struggles and joys that come with foster parenting.

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Facing Fear
10/17/2024

‘It's amazing how often we just feel afraid, and we let it just sit there and we don't challenge it. And I think that's a real waste because you actually have to confront something and face it in order to deal with it.’ Sarah McCutcheon, National Relationship Manager for Global Leadership Network Australia, has extensive experience helping people to face their fears and embrace courage. Listen to Sarah share her insights into facing fear.

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